I remember the first time I whipped up a batch of bang bang chicken skewers; it was a chaotic Tuesday evening, dinner needed to be on the table fast, and my usual go-to recipes just weren’t sparking any joy. What emerged from my kitchen that night was a revelation: tender, flavorful chicken with that irresistible kick, all neatly threaded onto skewers. If you’re looking to transform hurried weeknights into moments of delicious triumph, and unlock a truly versatile dish, you’ve landed in the right place. These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers aren’t just a meal; they’re a dinner solution, offering six incredible variations to keep your taste buds excited.
Why you’ll love this dish
There’s a reason bang bang chicken has taken the culinary world by storm, and when you put it on a skewer, it becomes an unstoppable force of flavor and convenience. This isn’t just about making dinner; it’s about making easy, exciting dinner. You’ll adore how quickly these come together, making them perfect for those unpredictable weeknight sprints. Plus, the bang bang sauce itself is a marvel – creamy, spicy, and just a touch sweet, it coats the chicken beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with joy. It’s also an incredibly adaptable recipe, and we’re diving into six different ways to enjoy it, ensuring you’ll never get bored. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters (who doesn’t love chicken on a stick?) or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these skewers are a true win.
> “These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a game-changer! So easy to adapt and truly delicious. My kids even asked for seconds.” – A happy home cook
The cooking process explained
Making these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is surprisingly straightforward. It starts with preparing your chicken, typically cutting it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly. Then comes the crucial step: marinating. Even a short marinade time can infuse the chicken with incredible flavor. After marinating, the chicken pieces are threaded onto skewers. This not only makes them easy to cook, whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-frying, but also incredibly fun to eat! The magic truly happens when you baste or toss the cooked chicken with that iconic bang bang sauce – a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet concoction that defines the dish. Finally, a sprinkle of garnishes adds freshness and extra texture.
What you’ll need
To embark on your bang bang chicken skewer adventure, here’s what you’ll typically need for the foundational recipe. Remember, we’ll explore variations later, but these are your essential building blocks.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: About 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes. Thighs stay juicier, breasts are leaner.
- For the Marinade:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo like Kewpie is excellent)
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- For Assembly & Garnish:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions to follow
Let’s get these flavorful skewers from your kitchen counter to your dinner table!
- Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken marinates, prepare your glorious sauce. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (or maple syrup) until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the Sriracha if you want more heat, or a touch more honey if you prefer it sweeter. Set aside.
- Thread the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, ensure they’ve been well-soaked. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure not to pack them too tightly. Leave a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the Skewers (Choose your method!):
- Grill: Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is cooked through.
- Pan-Fry: Heat 1-2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook skewers in batches, turning often, for 8-12 minutes total, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauce and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, you have a couple of options:
- Toss: Remove the chicken from the skewers and toss gently with about half to two-thirds of the bang bang sauce in a clean bowl.
- Brush/Drizzle: Alternatively, you can serve the cooked skewers on a platter and brush a generous amount of sauce over them, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish: Sprinkle liberally with chopped green onions or cilantro and sesame seeds before serving.
How to serve these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
These skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving! For a casual weeknight dinner, they shine brightly as the star of the show. I often serve them over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, alongside a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, pair them with a vibrant Asian-inspired coleslaw or steamed broccoli. For an appetizer spread, simply arrange them artfully on a platter with extra dipping sauce on the side. They also make fantastic additions to packed lunch bowls the next day!
Keeping leftovers fresh
If by some miracle you have any Bang Bang Chicken Skewers left over, they store beautifully. Allow the cooked skewers (or the chicken tossed in sauce) to cool completely to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, the best method is usually in a microwave on medium power until heated through, or you can gently warm them in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can even enjoy them cold in a salad or wrap the next day! Freezing isn’t ideal for the sauced chicken as the mayonnaise-based sauce can separate upon thawing, affecting the texture. However, you can freeze the cooked, unsauced chicken for up to 2-3 months, then thaw and toss with freshly made sauce.
Helpful cooking tips
Achieving bang bang perfection isn’t hard, but a few pro tips can elevate your skewers from good to utterly delicious:
- Don’t Overcrowd: When threading the chicken onto skewers, give each piece a little breathing room. This ensures even cooking and allows for better browning.
- Marinate for Flavor: Even 20 minutes in the marinade makes a difference, but if you have the time, let it sit for a full hour or two. The ginger and garlic will truly infuse the chicken.
- Taste Your Sauce: Bang bang sauce is all about balance. Tweak the Sriracha for heat, and the honey for sweetness, until it’s just right for your palate. A little lime juice can also add a nice zing!
- Brush, Don’t Drown: If you’re grilling or baking with the sauce, apply it towards the end of cooking. The mayo in the sauce can burn easily if cooked for too long over high heat. For ultimate freshness, toss the cooked chicken with the sauce right before serving.
- Rest Your Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays tender and moist.
Creative twists
The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers lies in their adaptability. Here are six variations to keep your dinner rotation exciting:
- Pineapple Power Skewers: Add chunks of fresh pineapple between chicken pieces on the skewers before cooking. The sweet, caramelized pineapple pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.
- Veggie Boost Skewers: Alternate chicken with colorful bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini chunks on the skewers for a complete meal in one.
- Spicy Peanut Skewers: In addition to the Sriracha, whisk 1-2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into your bang bang sauce for a richer, nutty twist. Garnish with chopped peanuts.
- Crispy Baked Skewers: For extra crunch, after marinating, dredge the chicken pieces in panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little oil before threading and baking. Toss with sauce after baking.
- Ginger-Scallion Kick: Amp up the ginger and garlic in the marinade, and instead of just garnishing, create a fresh ginger-scallion oil to drizzle over the finished skewers along with the bang bang sauce.
- Lettuce Wrap Skewers: Once the chicken is cooked and sauced, remove it from the skewers and serve in crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or gem lettuce) with shredded carrots and cucumber for a light, refreshing meal.
Common questions
How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
The spice level is entirely customizable! The Sriracha is the main source of heat. Start with 1 tablespoon and taste the sauce, then add more incrementally until it reaches your desired level of spice. If you’re serving young children or those sensitive to heat, you can reduce the Sriracha or omit it entirely, relying more on the sweet chili sauce for flavor.
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3-4 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, often resulting in an even more delicious sauce. Give it a good whisk before serving.
What kind of skewers should I use?
You can use either wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven. Metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking, but they will get hot, so use oven mitts when handling. Bamboo skewers (a type of wooden skewer) are also common and perform best when soaked.
Delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Grill
- Wooden or metal skewers
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce Thai-style
- 2 tbsp sriracha adjust to your spice preference
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp rice vinegar optional
For Serving
- Wooden or metal skewers if using wooden, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Chicken
- In a bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces, then marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Make Bang Bang Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or maple syrup, and optional rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust spice and sweetness to your preference.
Preheat Grill & Skewer Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and soak wooden skewers if using. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.
Grill the Chicken
- Lightly oil the grill grates. Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until cooked through with char marks. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Sauce and Serve
- Remove skewers from the grill. Brush generously with Bang Bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.